Ça, par exemple ! is a fixed exclamation used to express surprise, sometimes with a touch of indignation or disbelief mixed in. It is a phrase rather than a single word, and its meaning has drifted well away from what the individual words suggest on their own.

Meaning

Taken word for word, ça means “that” and par exemple means “for example”, so the literal translation of ça, par exemple ! is “that, for example!”, which makes little sense on its own. The phrase is not actually about giving an example at all. Over time, par exemple came to be used on its own, and later alongside ça, as a way of marking astonishment at something unexpected.

The figurative meaning is closer to “well, I never!” or “would you believe it!” or “Well, would you look at that!in English. Depending on tone and context, it can also carry a note of mild annoyance, closer to “well, really!” or “for goodness’ sake!”.

The phrase is a little old-fashioned. It is still understood by everyone and used without any trouble, but it tends to come up more in the speech of older French speakers, or in books and films, than among younger people, who more often reach for ça alors ! instead.

Usage examples

• Ça, par exemple ! Je ne m’attendais pas à te voir ici. – “Well, I never! I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
• Ça par exemple, il a gagné le gros lot ! – “Well I’ll be, he won the jackpot!”
• Tu as déjà fini ? Ça, par exemple ! – “You’ve already finished? Well, I never!”
• Ça, par exemple, c’est le comble ! – “Well, that really takes the cake!”
• Ça par exemple, quelle surprise ! – “Well I never, what a surprise!”

Similar expressions

• Ça alors ! – “Well, I never!” This is the more commonly used, more modern equivalent of ça, par exemple !.
• Mince alors ! – “Blimey!” A mild exclamation of surprise or mild frustration.
• Non mais dis donc ! – “Well, really!” Carries more indignation than plain surprise.
• Pas possible ! – “No way!” Used when something seems too surprising to be true.
• Sans blague ! – “No kidding!” Often said with a hint of sarcasm.
• Tiens donc ! – “Is that so!” Can be genuine surprise or, just as often, a knowing, slightly sceptical remark.

Summary

• Ça, par exemple ! is a fixed phrase, not a literal statement, used to express surprise or mild indignation.
• Literal translation: “that, for example!” Figurative translation: “well, I never!” or “would you believe it!”
• The phrase sounds somewhat old-fashioned, and ça alors ! is heard more often in casual, modern speech.